U.S. patent number 3,944,203 [Application Number 05/536,420] was granted by the patent office on 1976-03-16 for oxidation cutting work support means.
Invention is credited to Erwin C. Brekelbaum.
United States Patent |
3,944,203 |
Brekelbaum |
March 16, 1976 |
Oxidation cutting work support means
Abstract
A support for a material being cut in an oxidation cutting
operation comprising a stanchion and a tip connected to and
projecting above the stanchion to contact and support a material
being cut. In cross section the tip is characterized by angled
sides which extend upwardly and inwardly from a base to an apex
which contacts the underside of the material being cut. Such a
configuration minimizes direct impingement of the oxidation stream
of the cutter upon the tip and directs molten material flowing from
the kerf away from the support.
Inventors: |
Brekelbaum; Erwin C. (Glendale,
WI) |
Family
ID: |
27024889 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/536,420 |
Filed: |
December 26, 1974 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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420512 |
Nov 30, 1973 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
269/296; 266/65;
269/900 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23K
7/002 (20130101); B23Q 1/032 (20130101); Y10S
269/90 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B23Q
1/03 (20060101); B23Q 1/00 (20060101); B23K
7/00 (20060101); B23Q 003/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;248/346 ;266/23R,23K
;269/296-301,309,321A ;317/140.4,351 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Lake; Roy
Assistant Examiner: Bicks; Mark S.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Burns, Doane, Swecker &
Mathis
Parent Case Text
This is a continuation, of application Ser. No. 420,512, filed Nov.
30, 1973, now abandoned.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A material support for an oxidation cutting operation
comprising:
longitudinally extending stanchion means for operatively underlying
and supporting, at least in part, material to be cut by an
oxidation cutter, and
longitudinally extending tip means operatively connected to said
stanchion means and projecting above said stanchion means for
supporting the material to be cut,
said tip means in cross section having a recess in the bottom
thereof for receiving a portion of said stanchion means, and angled
side portions, said side portions extending from a base portion
inwardly and upwardly from said base portion to define an upwardly
directed acute vertex for contacting an underside of the material
to be cut to minimize direct impingement of the oxidation stream
upon said tip means and to direct molten material, from a kerf in
the material to be cut, away from said tip means, and
said tip means being constructed of material with a thermal
conductivity greater than the thermal conductivity of said
stanchion means and having a mass substantially greater than the
mass of said portion of said longitudinally extending stanchion
means to distribute and dissipate within said tip means hot spots
generated upon said tip means by the oxidation cutter.
2. A material support for an oxidation cutting operation as defined
in claim 1 wherein:
the sides of said tip means subtend an angle of approximately
42.degree..
3. A material support for an oxidation cutting operation as defined
in claim 1 wherein:
said stanchion and said tip means are longitudinally coextensive to
support said material to be cut in substantial line contact by said
tip means.
4. A material support for an oxidation cutting operation as defined
in claim 1 wherein:
said tip means longitudinally extend in intermittent regular
increments along said longitudinally extending stanchion means to
support said material to be cut in intermittent, substantially line
contact by said tip means.
5. A material support for an oxidation cutting operation as defined
in claim 1 wherein:
said tip means is composed of an alloy of copper and a hardening
material in which the copper content of the alloy is equal to or
greater than 95% of the alloy composition.
6. A material support for an oxidation cutting operation as defined
in claim 5 wherein:
said hardening material is comprised of chromium.
7. A material support for an oxidation cutting operation as defined
in claim 6 wherein:
the sides of the apex of said tip means subtend an angle of
approximately 42.degree..
8. A material support for an oxidation cutting operation as defined
in claim 1 wherein:
said tip means is provided with a mortise in the base portion
thereof which is dimensioned to intimately receive the uppermost
portion of said stanchion means, and
means extending through said base portion of said tip means and
said uppermost portion of said stanchion means to releasably
connected said tip means to said stanchion means.
9. A work table for supporting a material to be cut by an oxidation
cutting operation comprising:
a generally planar work surface;
a plurality of vertical, longitudinally extending stanchion means
positioned upon said work surface for operatively underlying and
supporting material to be cut by an oxidation cutter; and
a plurality of longitudinally extending tip means, at least one
connected to each of said stanchion means and extending between
said stanchion means and the material to be cut,
each of said tip means in cross section having a recess in the
bottom thereof for receiving a portion of the stanchion means to
which such tip means is connected and having angled sides extending
from a base portion upwardly and inwardly to define an upwardly
directed acute vertex for contacting an underside of the material
to be cut to minimize direct impingement of the oxidation stream
upon said tip means and to direct molten material, from a kerf in
the material to be cut, away from said tip means, and
each of said tip means being constructed of material with a thermal
conductivity greater than the thermal conductivity of said
stanchion means and having a mass substantially greater than the
mass of said portion of said longitudinally extending stanchion
means to distribute and dissipate within said tip means hot spots
generated upon said tip means by the oxidation cutter.
10. A work table for supporting a material to be cut by an
oxidation cutting operation as defined in claim 9 wherein:
said plurality of stanchions are positioned in a substantially
mutually parallel, equally spaced posture across said work surface,
each of said stanchion means coextending with said at least one tip
means connected thereto to support the material to be cut by a
plurality of substantially line contacts by said tip means.
11. A work table for supporting a material to be cut by an
oxidation cutting operation as defined in claim 9 wherein:
said plurality of stanchions are positioned across said work
surface and each of said stanchion means is fitted with a plurality
of tip means which are positioned in intermittent, regular
increments along each of said stanchion means to support the
material to be cut in a plurality of intermittent substantially
line contacts by said tip means.
12. A work table for supporting a material to be cut by an
oxidation cutting operation as defined in claim 11 wherein:
the intermittent tip means of each stanchion means are offset with
respect to the intermittent tip means of adjacent stanchion
means.
13. A work table for supporting a material to be cut by an
oxidation cutting operation as defined in claim 9 wherein:
a plurality of apertures forming a regular matrix is disposed in
said planar work surface; and
a plurality of peg means extend downwardly from said stanchion
means for snug insertion into said apertures to secure said
stanchion means to said work table.
14. In a work table for supporting a material to be cut by an
oxidation cutting operation, the work table including a stanchion
for supporting in a horizontal position, material to be cut by the
oxidation stream
the improvement comprising:
tip means removably mounted on the stanchion to project above the
stanchion for directly supporting the material to be cut,
said tip means in cross section having a recess in the bottom
thereof for receiving a portion of said stanchion, and upwardly and
inwardly converging side portions forming an upwardly directed
acute vertex for contacting an underside of the material to be cut
to minimize direct impingement of the oxidation stream upon said
tip means and to direct molten material, from a kerf in the
material to be cut, away from said tip means, and
said tip means being constructed of material with a thermal
conductivity greater than the thermal conductivity of said
stanchion and having a mass substantially greater than the mass of
said portion of said longitudinally extending stanchion to
distribute and dissipate within said tip means hot spots generated
upon said tip means by the oxidation cutter.
15. In a work table as defined in claim 14 and further wherein the
improvement comprises:
the sides of said tip means subtend an angle of approximately
42.degree..
16. In a work table as defined in claim 15 and further wherein the
improvement comprises:
said tip means is composed of an alloy of copper and a hardening
material in which the copper content of the alloy is equal to or
greater than 95% of the alloy composition.
17. In a work table as defined in claim 16 and further wherein the
improvement comprises:
said hardening material is comprised of chromium.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a support for material being
cut in a flame cutting operation. More specifically, the invention
relates to a stable support comprised of a vertically upright
stanchion, and a removable tip. The tip is configured to direct
molten materials flowing from a kerf cut in the material away from
the stanchion, to minimize direct impingement of the cutter flame
upon the stanchion and to quickly dissipate localized heat
developed at the tip.
A work support of the type contemplated by the present invention
may enjoy a broad spectrum of industrial applicability in
supporting varient materials being cut by either gas, plasma,
electronic beam, or arc torches (hereafter called oxidation
cutting). Of course, the invention need not be limited to such
applications and may even be employed by a home craftsman using a
conventional manual acetylene torch or other similar device to cut
a material. As suggested, however, the invention may be used to its
greatest advantage in an industrial environment wherein cutting
operations must be performed in the course of a manufacturing
process.
Many devices of the prior art, employed to support materials being
flame cut or otherwise treated by heat of high intensity, are
subject to this type of slag buildup on the surface of the support
in contact with the material being treated. In a process for
cutting metals, molten material flowing from a kerf being cut in
the metal may solidify into a substance which may be referred to as
slag. The slag may flow from the kerf onto an underlying support
and form an encrustation on the support. As a consequence of such
slag accumulation the surface supporting the material becomes
irregular and thus incapable of supporting the material being
treated with accuracy or stability. It would therefore be desirable
to provide a support for materials being flame cut or otherwise
treated by heat of high intensity, wherein any slag formed incident
to the heating process would be directed away from the support and
in particular away from the portion of the support contacting the
material being treated.
Other devices in the prior art, for supporting materials being
flame cut or otherwise treated with heat of high intensity, may be
destructively oxidized in the course of the heat treatment. Such a
phenomenon is particularly a problem in cutting operations in which
the support is directly exposed to the heat of the flame or arc. It
will be appreciated that the larger the portion of the support
exposed to the flame or arc and the longer the support is exposed
to the flame or arc, the greater the opportunity for oxidation. It
would therefore be highly advantageous to provide a support wherein
direct impingement upon the support by a flame or arc would be
minimized both with respect to the portion of the support impinged
and the duration of the exposure.
Still other devices of the prior art may support the material being
treated but may not do so in a manner which affords sufficient
lateral or vertical stability. With regard to lateral stability, it
may be appreciated that in an industrial process employing a
cutting device guided by a template and in which accuracy is
required, any lateral movement of the workpiece whether by lateral
vibration or deflection of the supports will diminish the accuracy
of the operation. With regard to vertical stability, those familiar
with gas or arc welding or cutting will appreciate that such
operations may be relatively sensitive to fluctuations in arc
length. Therefore, if materials being treated are supported in such
a way as to cause variations in arc length, the cutting or welding
operation may be rendered less effective. It would therefore be
desirable to provide a support for a workpiece wherein lateral and
vertical instability are minimized.
A further difficulty, encountered in prior art devices resides in a
tendency for some supports to disrupt a cut being made in a
material at points of contact between the support and the
workpiece. In a cutting operation, the acetylene heating flame and
the oxidizing jet of oxygen must fully penetrate the material being
cut. This full penetration allows the material to be fully heated
to the temperature necessary to allow oxidation and permits the
oxidizing jet to oxidize and blow molten material out of the
resulting kerf through the full thickness of the material. When
such a cut is attempted through material supported by an underlying
support of at least some of the prior art, the acetylene flame does
not fully heat the material to the oxidizing temperature and the
oxidizing jet may not fully oxidize and blow out material from this
portion of the kerf. Furthermore, slag resulting from a cutting
operation may be prevented from freely flowing from the kerf, and
thus solidly in the kerf. It would therefore be desirable to
provide a support for material being cut in which the tendency to
block the arc or flow of slag from the kerf is minimized.
A further problem which may characterize certain devices of the
prior art resides in the inability of these devices to adequately
dissipate heat from the workpiece while maintaining sufficient
durability to avoid damage incident to use in an industrial
environment. It will be appreciated that in certain materials being
flame cut or otherwise treated with heat of high intensity, it may
be desirable to rapidly conduct heat developed in the area of the
heat treatment through the support in order to prevent or minimize
warping of the material.
Materials capable of rapidly dissipating heat however are typically
rather soft and thus do not possess the properties necessary to
avoid damage in the course of rough industrial use. It would
therefore be highly desirable if a support for materials could be
provided which would rapidly dissipate heat from the area of the
heat treatment and yet be sufficiently tough to avoid damage in the
course of rough industrial use.
An additional difficulty which appears in devices of the prior art
resides in the fact that these devices may not be easily or
economically replaceable. If a support is expensive or difficult to
remove and replace, the support may detract from the overall
flexibility and efficiency of the manufacturing process.
OBJECTS AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Objects
In light of the foregoing it is a general object of the invention
to provide a support for a material being flame cut or otherwise
treated by heat of high intensity intended to obviate or minimize
problems of the type previously noted.
It is a particular object of the invention to provide a novel
support, for material being cut in a flame cutting operation, which
is configured to direct slag away from the support and avoid the
buildup or encrustation of slag on the support.
It is another object of the invention to provide a novel support,
for material being cut in a flame cutting operation, which is
configured to minimize oxidation incident to heat developed in the
cutting operation.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a novel
support for material being cut in a flame cutting operation which
provides stable and accurate lateral and vertical support for the
material.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a novel
support for material being cut in a flame cutting operation which
supports the material in a manner which allows full penetration of
the material, and thereby does not disrupt the continuity of the
cut.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a support for
material being cut by a flame cutting operation which is
sufficiently durable to resist damage incident to use in an
industrial environment while concomitantly being capable of
relatively rapid dissipation of heat developed incident to the
cutting operation.
It is likewise an object of the invention to provide a novel
support for material being cut by a flame cutting operation which
may be easily and economically removed, replaced, or relocated.
Brief Summary
A support for a material being cut in a flame cutting operation
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention intended to
accomplish at least some of the foregoing objects is comprised of a
stanchion and a tip connected to and projecting above the stanchion
to contact and support a material being cut. In cross section the
tip is characterized by angled sides which extend upwardly and
inwardly from a base to an apex which contacts the underside of the
material being cut. Such a configuration minimizes direct
impingement of the flame of the cutter upon the tip and directs
molten material flowing from the kerf away from the support.
THE DRAWINGS
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the general relation of a
support according to a preferred embodiment of the invention to a
workpiece and a typical cutting apparatus;
FIG. 2 is a transverse sectional view taken along section line 2--2
in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of one preferred arrangement of the
invention;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of an alternative preferred arrangement of
the invention;
FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view taken along section line 5--5 of
FIG. 4; and
FIG. 6 is a transverse sectional view of an alternative preferred
embodiment of the invention having a free standing, laterally
movable base .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, one embodiment of the
invention 10 can be seen generally located relative to a workpiece
14 and a conventional cutting apparatus 16. The cutter 16 may be of
any conventional design and for purposes of illustration has been
shown to be of the type in which a torch 18 is translated along a
carriage 20, and transversely thereto along a suitable track, not
shown in the interests of simplicity, to make a cut of a desired
configuration in a workpiece. Movement along the carriage 20 and
the track may be controlled by a control pod 22 which may employ a
light beam and associated photoelectric cell to follow a template.
In the interest of simplicity the template has not been shown. Of
course any number of control mechanisms may be used; the light beam
and photoelectric cell is simply exemplary. Electricity or gas may
be supplied to the cutting torch 18 through conduits 24 disposed in
the head 26.
A table forming an aspect of the invention is comprised of a
rectangular frame 28 supported by vertical legs 30. The table top
32 is comprised of a planar surface characterized by a matrix of
apertures 34 arranged, as illustrated, at the vertices of equal
adjacent rectangles. The significance of these apertures will be
described more fully hereinafter.
The invention, which may be seen in FIG. 1 is comprised of vertical
stanchions 36, the uppermost portions of which carry tips 38. As
illustrated, a stanchion 36 may extend transversely across
substantially the full width of the table top 32, and underly and
support a coextensive tip 38.
The workpiece 14 rests on the apex of the several stanchions and
tip assemblies while a cutting or other heat treating operation is
performed by the cutting apparatus 16. The underside of the
workpiece 14 can be seen to be contacted by apexes 44 of the tips
38 at what may be termed lines of contact 51 which may provide
continuous support across the full width of the workpiece. This may
preclude any possibility of warping due to insufficient support and
also may insure that if the work is cut into multiple pieces each
will be adequately supported and will remain stationary. So long as
a portion of the workpiece is contacted by a length of at least two
of the tips 38, it should remain in a stationary condition even
though severed from the main portion of the workpiece 14.
As illustrated, the arc formed by the torch 18 cuts the workpiece
14, for instance, along the line 46, guided by the control pod 22
and associated template. In cutting the workpiece, the torch leaves
a kerf as indicated at 48. It will be noted that the kerf 48
intersects the tip 38 at a point 50 at which an apex 44 contacts
the underside of the workpiece 14.
FIG. 2 comprises a transverse sectional view of the invention taken
along the lines 2--2 of FIG. 1. As illustrated, the invention
provides a support for material being cut which is comprised of a
vertical stanchion 36 which may extend longitudinally across
substantially the full width of the table. The uppermost portion of
the stanchion carries a tip 38 coextensive, at least in part, with
the stanchion 36. As illustrated, the tip 38 is characterized by
parallel, vertical, planar sides 40 and converging planar surfaces
42 which intersect at an apex 44. The lowermost portion of the tip
38 is longitudinally morticed to provide a longitudinally extending
slot 52 which snugly receives the uppermost portions 54 of the
stanchion 36. It should be noted that the overlapping relation
between the tip and the uppermost portion of the stanchion
increases the ability of the support to resist lateral flexure. In
this way the stability of the support against lateral buckling
under the load of a workpiece may be increased.
Transversely of the tip 38 and the uppermost portion 54 of the
stanchion 36 is a pin 56 a plurality of which secures the tip 38 to
the stanchion 36 at suitable longitudinal intervals. The pin 56 is
of a type which may be removed with relative ease to allow
replacement of the tip 38 if desired. It should be noted in this
regard that any suitable fastener such as a nut and bolt or a rivet
could be employed to secure the tip 38 to the uppermost portion 54
of the stanchion 36. It is important, however, that the pin 56 or
other fastener be removable with relative ease in order that the
tip 38 may be easily and economically removed and replaced.
The lowermost portion 58 of the stanchion 36 carries a plurality of
pegs 60 disposed along the longitudinal extent of the stanchion 36
at intervals which coincide with the spacing between the apertures
34 provided in the table top 32. It will be noted that the pegs 60
fit snugly in the apertures 34 and that the apertures are fully
covered by overhanging portions 62 of the stanchion 36. By virtue
of the snug fit of the pegs 60 in the apertures 34 and the
transverse breadth of the stanchion 36, slag may be excluded from
the apertures 34 and the lowermost portion 58 of the stanchion 36
may be firmly secured to the table top 32. It will be further
appreciated that the pin and aperture arrangement allows the
invention to be easily removed from the work table 12 and relocated
thereon. This capability renders the invention and thereby the
overall cutting process more flexible and versatile.
It will be further noted from FIG. 2 that the support is of
relatively short vertical height. The combination of the relatively
short vertical height, the relatively long longitudinal length, the
firm securement of the lowermost portion of the stanchion, and the
increased flexural rigidity of the uppermost portion of the
stanchion renders the support relatively stable both horizontally
and vertically. Horizontal instability in the form of vibration is
minimized by the longitudinal extend of the stanchion 36 and the
inherent damping qualities thereof. The horizontal displacement of
the tip 38 and the stanchion 36 is minimized by firm securement of
the lowermost portion of the stanchion to the table and the
flexural rigidity of the stanchion and morticed tip. Vertical
instability of the support is minimized by reason of the full
support of all portions of the tip 38 by a coextensive portion of
the stanchion 38. This coextensive support may render vibration and
deflection in a vertical direction negligible. The longitudinal
extend of the stanchion 36 beneath substantially the full width of
the workpiece 14 minimizes the possibility of buckling of the
stanchion due to the weight of the workpiece 14.
As indicated, the tip 38 is characterized by converging planar
surfaces 42 which intersect at an apex 44 and optimumly subtending
an angle of 42.degree.. Such a configuration provides essentially
line contact with the lowermost surface of the workpiece. Such an
arrangement or one increased by a maximum of 5.degree. enables the
tip to shed slag or other molten materials which may flow from the
kerf 48 of a cut 46 which may intersect the line contact
established between the apex 44 and the workpiece 14 at a point 50
(see FIG. 1). It will be noted as well that, by means of the line
contact provided by the intersecting surfaces 42, relatively little
of the tip 48 may be impinged by the plane of the nozzle 18. It can
be seen that the tip recedes rapidly from the apex 44 which
contacts the workpiece and thus, only a very small portion may be
exposed to the more intense portions of the flame. Other portions
of the tip downstream from the flame are subjected only to the
cooler portions of the flange. It will also be noted that in light
of the essentially line contact of the tip 38 with the workpiece
14, any disruption of the continuity of the cut is minimized since
the flame or oxidizing jet can fully penetrate the workpiece on
either side of the line of contact 52.
It will be noted that, despite the line contact between the tip and
the workpiece, the body of the tip 38 is relatively large in width
compared to the stanchion 36. A relatively large amount of material
is concentrated in an area adjacent the workpiece. The bulk of the
tip renders it less susceptible to damage incident to use in an
industrial environment and also affords optimal dissipation of heat
from the area in which a cut may intersect the apex 44 of the tip
38. In other words, as suggested in connection with the discussion
of FIG. 1, when a cut is made in the workpiece 14 which intersects
a line of contact 52 between the workpiece 14 and the apex 44 of
the tip 38, the workpiece and the tip may be exposed to intense
heat. It may be desirable that the tip 38 be capable of dissipating
such heat quickly. To this end, the invention provides a tip of
considerable bulk to facilitate the dissipation of the heat.
The proper dissipation of heat, of course, depends on the
composition as well as the configuration of the element dissipating
the heat. In this regard, it has been found that an alloy of at
least 95% copper and approximately 1% chromium possesses desirable
characteristics for use as the tip 38 of the invention. It has been
found that this composition resists oxidation by the flame or arc
which may impinge upon the tip and also is capable of effectively
dissipating the heat. Furthermore, such an alloy is sufficiently
durable and resistant to damage to be suitable for use in an
industrial environment.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the invention
showing the tips 38 in relation to the apertured table 32. As more
fully described in connection with FIG. 2, the tips 38 are
characterized by converging planar surfaces 42 which intersect at
an apex 44. The tips are secured to continuous longitudinally
extending stanchions by suitable fasteners such as a pin 56 (see
FIG. 2). The lowermost portions of the stanchions are provided with
pegs which may be inserted in the apertures 34 of the table top 32
and which thereby provide considerable flexibility in the placement
of the supports.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, three stanchions and the associated tips
are arranged to align immediately adjacent one another. The
invention is not, however, restricted to such a configuration and
any number of rows of apertures may intervene between adjacent
supports. For example, as illustrated, the three supports occupy
the first three rows of apertures in the table counting from left
to right. If desired, the third support could be moved to the
extreme right to occupy the eighth row of apertures, in which case
there would be five intervening rows of apertures between the
second support and the third support. In addition, any one or all
of these supports might be reoriented 90.degree. to extend parallel
to the length of the table 32 rather than the width as illustrated.
It will be noted finally that the apexes of the supports provide
only line contact with the work piece which may rest thereon. As
indicated in connection with the discussion of FIG. 2, this is
desirable for the reason that there is no disruption of the cutting
of the work piece, minimal exposure to oxidation, minimal
opportunity for the buildup or encrustation or slag on the tip, and
continuous support of the material being cut.
It will be noted that the tips 38 are segmented into identical,
basic units 64 which axially abut one another to form snug joints
66 in order to avoid any discontinuity in the line of support
provided for the work piece by the apexes 44. The segmentation of
the tips 38 into the basic units 64 facilitates mass production of
the invention and allows replacement of short lengths of the tips
38 in the event of damage. In other words, if a short portion of a
tip becomes damaged, only one or two sections need be removed and
replaced rather than the full length of the tip. As will be more
fully described in connection with the discussion of FIG. 5, all
segments of a tip are connected to a single stanchion which
underlies the full length of each tip. In other words, the
stanchion coextends with the plurality of segments which comprise a
full tip member.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the invention
showing a relation between a number of supports and the apertured
table. As in the preferred embodiment discussed in connection with
FIG. 3, the tips 38 are comprised of a plurality of identical basic
units 64 which are removably secured as described in connection
with FIG. 2 to continuous stanchions 36 which may extend across the
width of the apertured table. The stanchions are secured to the
apertured table by means of the pegs 60 which as illustrated in
FIG. 2 are inserted into the apertures 34.
In contrast with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the FIG. 4
embodiment discloses segments 64 arranged on the stanchions 36 in a
discontinuous fashion. The result of this discontinuous arrangement
of the segments 64 on the stanchions 36 is to provide intermittent
line contact by the apexes 44 of the segments 64 with the work
piece. It will be noted that such an intermittent arrangement may
further minimize the possibility that a cut may be disrupted by
contact of a support beneath a portion of the material being cut
and may likewise reduce the opportunity for oxidation of a tip
and/or the encrustation of slag on a tip. This is due to the fact
that the total contact of the tips with the material which would
exist if the work piece were supported by the arrangement
illustrated in FIG. 3 has been substantially reduced by the
alternative embodiment of FIG. 4.
The particular alternating configuration shown in FIG. 4 was chosen
in order to illustrate an arrangement of the segments which may
afford particularly stable support for the work piece. It will be
noted that the arrangement shown may provide a stable three point
support for a work piece. If any two adjacent segments such as
those located at 66 and 68 disposed on a single stanchion are
considered in relation to an alternate segment such as 70 of an
adjacent stanchion, it is clear that a work piece resting on the
three segments will be supported by the lines of contact of the
apexes of these three segments in three separate areas of the lower
surface of the work piece. This type of support, which may be
analogized to a tripod, may be advantageous for the reason that the
possibility of disruption of a cut, oxidation of a tip, and/or
encrustation of slag on a tip may be minimized while a stable mode
of support is maintained. It will be noted as well that each
stanchion of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 continues to
fully underly any work piece which might rest on the tips 38 and
thus, essentially the same resistance to vertical and lateral
instability as that discussed in connection with FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a fragmented sectional view taken along section lines
5--5 of FIG. 4 and illustrates the relation between the apertured
table 32, a length of stanchion 36, and one of the segments 64
intermittently arranged on the stanchion. As indicated earlier, the
segment 64 is one of a plurality of identical segments which
comprise the tip 38 of a stanchion 36 upon which a work piece
rests. As suggested by the discussion of FIGS. 1-4, the segment 64
has a vertical plane of symmetry which coincides with the vertical
plane of symmetry of the stanchion 36. Thus, the segment 64 can be
seen to be characterized by vertical planar sides 40 and converging
planar surfaces 42 which intersect at an apex 44. A work piece may
contact the apex 44 and thus, may be supported by the resulting
line of contact. The segment 64 is removably secured to the
stanchion 36 by means of suitable fasteners such as the pins 56. As
indicated earlier, any suitable fastener such as a nut and bolt or
a rivet which allows easy removal of the segment 64 from the
stanchion 36 may be employed. The pins 56 extend through apertures
72 and 74 disposed in the segment and the stanchion, respectively.
The apertures 74 are disposed in the stanchion 36 in any repeating
pattern which allows the segments 64 to be secured to the
stanchions 36 either as illustrated in FIG. 3, as illustrated in
FIG. 4, or as desired by the user to allow any desired intermittent
arrangement of the segments 64 on the stanchion 36.
As described earlier, the stanchion 36 is secured to the table 32
by means of pegs 60 which protrude from the lowermost portion of
the stanchion and which may be inserted in the apertures 34 as
desired. It can be seen that by providing the desired pattern of
apertures in the stanchion 74 and the desired arrangement of pegs
60, a support may be provided which is quite versatile. Any
intermittent or continuous arrangement of segments may be combined
to provide a desired mode of contact with the work piece and each
stanchion may be secured to the table as desired.
FIG. 6 is a transverse sectional view of an alternative embodiment
of the invention. As in the case of the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 2, a tip member 38, characterized by parallel vertical planar
sides 40 and converging planar surfaces 42, receives the uppermost
portions 54 of a stanchion 36 in a longitudinally extending slot
52.
The tip 38 is secured to the stanchion 36 by means of a plurality
of pins 56 which are inserted through apertures 72 and 74 in the
tip and the stanchion respectively. As in the case of the
embodiment of FIG. 2, the tip and stanchion arrangement just
described provides an optimal configuration for effectively
shedding slag, minimizing oxidation, and minimizing possible
disruption of a cut; while concurrently providing for optimal
dissipation of heat and the durability desired.
The embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 6 is supported
on the surface of the table 32 by means of a base 76 formed from
angle iron to which the lowermost portion of a stanchion 56 is
welded as at 78. The angle iron 76 underlies the full length of the
stanchion 36 and therefore provides a structurally sound
arrangement which is vertically and laterally quite stable. Indeed,
it will be appreciated that the broadly spaced points of contact 80
between the legs of the angle iron 76 and the worktable 32 provide
a laterally stable support which may resist tipping and vibration.
Furthermore, it will be noted that the embodiment of FIG. 6
provides a very versatile support which may be oriented in any
desired position on the table 32.
SUMMARY OF MAJOR ADVANTAGES
It will be appreciated that in providing a support for material
being flame cut or otherwise treated by heat of high intensity
according to the present invention, certain significant advantages
are obtained.
In particular, the unique configuration of the tip of the support
and more particularly, the angle subtended by the converging planar
sides of the tip insures that slag is effectively shedded from the
support to prevent slag build up on the tip.
Further, the configuration of the tip of the support minimizes
exposure of the tip to oxidation incident to impingement by a
cutting flame.
A further advantage resides in the fact that the support is secured
to the work table and configured in a manner which affords lateral
and vertical stability while maintaining versatility in placement
of the support on the table.
By reason of the line contact provided between the work piece and
the tip of the support, any disruption of a cut being made in the
material is minimized.
Also quite important is the advantage gained by optimizing the
configuration of the tip of the support to rapidly dissipate heat
while concurrently providing for effective shedding of slag,
minimization of oxidation of the tip and minimization of disruption
of cuts being made in the material.
A further advantage resides in the optimization of the composition
of the tip to afford a sufficiently durable tip for contacting the
work piece while concurrently providing for maximum heat
transfer.
Finally, the support is possessed of the advantage that segments of
the tip may be easily replaced if damaged, or may be placed
intermittently on the stanchion to provide any configuration of
support desired.
In describing the invention, reference has been made to a preferred
embodiment. However, those skilled in the art and familiar with the
disclosure of the invention may recognize additions, deletions,
substitutions, or other modifications which would fall within the
perview of the invention as defined in the claims.
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